CHBC Honors Richard Cromwell III

Former CHBC Director and General Manager of Sunline Transit, Richard Cromwell III passed away on February 17, 2020 at the age of 78 in Palm Springs from a lung disease and resulting heart failure. As General Manager of Sunline Transit, Dick began transitioning their bus fleet completely from diesel to natural gas low emission buses, and then began a fleet of zero emission hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. Dick was a beacon for clean public transit, helping Sunline implement its hydrogen fueling infrastructure in the Coachella Valley.

Dick served on the CHBC Board of Directors while a consultant to the Board of Clean Energy, and CHBC Board President at that time, Mark Abramowitz, notes the following: “When CHBC was having some financial challenges, Dick and Clean Energy could always be counted on for funding special projects. In fact, without Dick and Clean Energy’s assistance at key moments, CHBC might not be here today. Dick was demanding of staff, and always wanted to raise the bar. He was also very generous with his time, serving as an officer in the organization for several years. Perhaps Dick’s most important contribution to CHBC was in playing a key role in the restructuring of the organization, spending many hours on strategy, calls, and whatever else was needed. Dick never shied away from the tough sensitive jobs either, and would volunteer to do the jobs that involved ‘breaking some dishes’ as he put it. Dick and his dedication to excellence will be missed.”

The CHBC joins Dick’s family in celebrating his rich life, particularly as an innovator for clean energy.